A Glam Boudoir Session

Publié le 12 February 2025

All posts

The boudoir style is a photography style that highlights the femininity of a woman or the sensuality of a couple or man. Whether for a portrait, alone, as a couple, maternity or themed, the boudoir session lends itself to many occasions. There really are many styles, so the possibilities are endless. Let me tell you a perhaps surprising fact about this type of session: boudoir sessions are the type of photography I’ve done the most of since starting my photography career in 2012. And I still love it just as much!

There’s nothing I love more than the pride feeling the girls feel after such an empowering session! If you don’t see all these beautiful photographs on social media, that’s because some people prefer to keep them personal, and I understand! So yours can stay private too, or you can choose to have me share them in my portfolio, the choice is yours.

Perhaps you’re familiar with my boudoir lifestyle session work (which you can see here if you need to). If not, you can check it out 😉 but if you do, you’ll see that glamour is a completely different style.

What’s a glamour boudoir session with Ariann

First of all, it’s a unique experience in itself, where you’re accompanied from A to Z. The boudoir holds no secrets for me, but maybe for you it’s a first. Know that I’ll take care of you, I’m here for you! All the years and hundreds of boudoir sessions I’ve done (almost a thousand!) have taught me everything I need for a successful session: how to make you feel at ease, how to get your hair down to your little toes, how to tell you to breathe (yes, yes, we freeze in front of the camera, it’s normal) and how to get you to rock your session. All this while highlighting what you love about yourself! In glamour, it’s as if you were a supermodel, a star; everything has to be perfect down to the smallest detail, while leaving room for a little improvisation.

Also included in the session is a preparatory meeting and a guide, to prepare you in every detail for what the session entails, how it goes, what to wear, what beauty details to do, what sets to use, the photo look and much more.

And finally, retouching is more present (for example, more then in my lifestyle photos). The style is a little more fashionable, like in magazines, for example, and small skin imperfections are corrected. But I think it’s important to specify that despite the advanced retouching included, I’m not changing anyone. I refuse retouching that will change a person, whether in morphology or otherwise. Moreover, retouching is at my discretion (but if you like my portfolio, it’ll be just as pretty!).

And the final touch, printing. Whether it’s a large print with a Victorian frame, a plexiglass print or one on brushed metal, it has to look wow! It’s the ultimate experience, and a computer image doesn’t do it justice 😉

How to choose your boudoir photographer?

Are you ready to take the plunge into this beautiful adventure of boudoir photography? I know it’s a personal decision that involves not only the artist’s skills, but even more so trust and security, given the intimate nature of this kind of session. If you’re ever looking for a boudoir photographer, there are several criteria to consider. This isn’t a complete list, but I hope it can give you a few pointers.

– The photographer’s style and portfolio –

Does the photographer’s image style speak to you? That’s the basics. A photographer is an artist with his or her own style. Some make brighter pictures, others moody or vintage. Does it evoke sensuality? Bring out emotions? Is the portfolio always consistent? Is the retouching more natural or more pronounced? (And what about you? What are you looking for?) The images in his portfolio should also make you want to be photographed in that style, since that’s inevitably what will come out.

– Experience and professionalism –

How much experience does he or she have? and with all types of bodies/persons/situations? An experienced photographer will know how to handle a variety of lighting situations, flattering angles, and how to guide you. This is also reflected in the more thorough preparation for the shoot. With professionalism comes the confidence and ease you have with this person, either with a few e-mails (the way you respond) or a phone call that can help validate. Also, if you have a preference for working with a person of the same sex, for example, that’s also something to take into account.

– Location –

For some people, it’s better to have an artist close to home, while others are ready to cross Quebec for the full experience. I’ve had people from Montreal to the Côte Nord and everywhere in between come to my studio in Beauce to have their photos taken. How about you?

– Inclusion in the session and investment –

For me, this is really the last question, once the artist has been chosen 😉 What are the inclusions in the packages, are they digital files, quality prints, are makeup/hair services offered? Is retouching included? A professional photographer will be able to answer all your questions with ease. It’s not every day you get a boudoir photography session, which I would describe as a luxury service (not essential, but oh so gratifying 😉 ). Each photographer creates his or her own price list, which varies wildly from artist to artist, and I understand how dizzying it can be. As a professional photographer, I often tell my clients that it’s better to save up to do THE boudoir session of your dreams, than to not respect your wishes and perhaps be disappointed (and have to start again with someone else). You can always check with the photographer you like to see if he/she offers payment options (and if I mention it, it’s because I do).

– Red flags –

Without naming all the irregular situations, here are a few notes that might indicate that the photographer might not be the right person for you :

your images are obliged to be in the photographer’s portfolio (no one should force the disclosure of such intimate images, that’s a no-no!)
you can’t be accompanied (you should always be able to be with someone you trust, even if they’re in the next room, but they’re there)
you feel uncomfortable
inappropriate behavior or over-sensitivity
negative online comments (Google, Facebook or other)

—-

I hope this helps. Take your time to find someone you feel comfortable with and who understands your expectations. This will make all the difference in making your boudoir session a positive, stimulating and memorable experience.

Would you like to be a boudoir photographer? I don’t like to talk about myself, but I’m also a reference for other photographers. I’ve given many training courses and coached many other photographers in my career.

I look forward to making you shine in front of my camera.

Ciao xx

Ariann